Product Description

With an unmistakable design and classic natural metal finish, the English Electric Lightning is a powerful example of the enormous capabilities of post-war British aeronautical design. First developed in response to a requirement in 1947, English Electric's design was so radical that it was initially opposed by the RAE at Farnborough. Despite this, it was later to become the only all-British supersonic aircraft to enter production and the last all-British single-seat fighter. Although the type suffered from chronic underdevelopment throughout much of its career, which adversely affected its export potential, it remained a success at home and skilfully defended UK air space for more than 25 years. The first prototype took to the air on 4 August 1954, and on its third flight it became the first British aircraft to exceed Mach 1 in level flight. In late 1956 an order for 20 aircraft was placed so that testing of every aspect of the new fighter could be accelerated. In October 1958 the RAF officially named its new aircraft as the 'Lightning' and the first production Lightings were delivered to Number 74 Squadron at Coltishall on 29 June 1960. Capable of a performance to match even today's fighters with speeds of Mach 2 and an unsurpassed rate of climb and ceiling, the Lightning served in the front line of the RAF through many of the hottest years of the Cold War until the late 1980s. However, it was eventually hampered by its short range, increasingly outmoded avionics and modern-day weapons-load capability. Today, the last examples can be seen flying in South Africa. This well researched book is the very first detailed history of the Lightning type for many years. With an exciting range of new material from EE company photographic archives, the author delves into the history of the Lightning, including details about its design and development, operational history, his own flying experiences in the Lightning, export and overseas operators, and personal accounts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #131437 in Books
• Published on: 2009-07-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

Overpriced rubbish - again
Sadly this author seems to simply pump out books with minimum effort and minimum research, as can be seen from the short interval between him begging for help on internet forums and the finished product hitting the shelves.

As with the same author's recent Hunter book, there is nothing new here that hasn't already been covered by other publications on the type, and the reproduction of the photos is shockingly poor - some are so obviously pixellated it is clear he has simply lifted low resolution snaps from the internet rather than sourcing higher resolution images. This simply isn't acceptable in a volume of this price, and once again I feel for the photographers who have had their material butchered in this manner. Once again more or less randomly chosen appendices bulk up the page count, and the book does not seem to know quite what audience it is aimed at.

There are lots of other books on the Lightning - most readily available second hand at bargain prices - you'd be well advised to seek them out; if you have an appetite for an expensive but worthwhile Lightning book, then aim higher and go for the excellent pair of volumes from Stewart Scott (the Lightning Preservation Group will be happy to sell them to you, and you'll be helping to keep a pair of real Lightnings in running order by doing so).

LIGHTNING HISTORY. NICE ONE TIM !
First saw the book at Duxford visitor centre where initial inspection was enough for me to order the book from the above mentioned Amazon special offer at a more realistic price.

Delighted with book and the many previously unseen photos (several in colour) plus a few almost forgotten favourites of an aircraft that was becoming "fuel critical" as soon as the engines were started.

Book is 'bright and interesting' with a history of each individual aircraft, so many were lost,some with less than 100 flying hours,although just a few did achieve more than 4000 hours

As a genuine Lightning enthusiast, going back to the very early days of the P 1 prototypes and having spent a day with test pilot Roland Beamont as a young 'school leaver', I was fortunate enough to move to Norfolk and enjoy many happy hours at Coltishall where the Lightning spent its earliest days.

An enjoyable book.